FIFA 21: A Deep Dive into the Gameplay, Features, and Legacy

FIFA 21: A Deep Dive into the Gameplay, Features, and Legacy

EA Sports’ FIFA 21, released in 2020, marked another iteration in the long-running and highly popular football simulation franchise. While not a revolutionary overhaul, FIFA 21 offered refined gameplay mechanics, enhanced features, and a wealth of content that solidified its position as a leading title in the sports gaming world. This review delves into the various aspects of FIFA 21, exploring its strengths and weaknesses, and assessing its lasting impact on the FIFA series.

Enhanced Gameplay Mechanics: A Refined Football Experience

FIFA 21 built upon the foundation laid by its predecessors, introducing subtle yet impactful improvements to the core gameplay mechanics. One of the most notable additions was the Agile Dribbling system. This system significantly enhanced the 1-on-1 experience, providing players with greater control and responsiveness in close-quarters situations. The implementation of responsive close control allowed for faster footwork and a wider array of skillful maneuvers, enabling players to outwit defenders with finesse and precision. New skills, such as the ball roll fake, added another layer of tactical depth, rewarding strategic thinking and skillful execution.

Beyond individual player control, FIFA 21 also saw improvements in the game’s AI. Teammates and opponents exhibited more intelligent positioning and decision-making, resulting in a more realistic and challenging gameplay experience. Players were better at timing their runs, making intelligent passes, and effectively disrupting opposing attacks. This heightened AI responsiveness translated to more dynamic and unpredictable matches, reducing the predictability often found in previous iterations. Further enhancing tactical control, FIFA 21 introduced three new creative run options: directed runs, directed pass and go, and player lock. These options provided players with granular control over their team’s offensive movements, allowing for more nuanced and strategic play.

The enhanced collision system also deserves mention. Previous FIFA games were often criticized for their unrealistic collision physics, with players frequently tumbling over in an unconvincing manner. FIFA 21 addressed this issue, delivering more realistic player interactions. Goalmouth scrambles and midfield battles became more authentic and engaging, adding a layer of physicality and intensity missing from previous installments. The improvements extended beyond player collisions; passing, blocking, responsiveness, and manual headers all received significant enhancements, resulting in a more fluid and polished overall gameplay experience.

Deep Dive into Game Modes: Career Mode, Ultimate Team, and VOLTA

FIFA 21 offered a diverse range of game modes catering to different player preferences. The series’ long-standing Career Mode received several improvements, allowing players to take on the role of a manager and guide their team to glory. The Interactive Match Sim provided a flexible approach, allowing players to jump in and out of matches as needed, making tactical adjustments and managing the team’s overall performance. This feature appealed to players who desired a hands-on management experience, combined with the option to actively participate in critical moments of the game.

The Player Development feature gave players increased control over training and player development, enabling them to create a team tailored to their style of play. This enhanced control allowed players to address any weaknesses within their squad and develop players to their full potential. Further aiding tactical management, features such as Match Sharpness and Active Training provided valuable insights into a team’s performance, allowing managers to set up specialized training sessions designed to improve the chances of on-field success. Players could even schedule training and rest periods for optimal player morale and fitness management. The realism extended to the transfer market, with more authentic negotiations and deals available, increasing the depth and strategic value of roster management.

Ultimate Team (FUT), the massively popular mode within the FIFA franchise, remained a centerpiece of FIFA 21. FUT allows players to construct their dream squads, featuring players from various teams and nationalities, fostering endless team-building possibilities. The mode offers challenges and objectives, unlocking rewards, keeping players engaged and incentivized. FIFA 21 streamlined much of the FUT management system, reducing administrative overhead and allowing players to spend more time on the pitch, rather than dealing with managerial tasks. FUT’s online and offline capabilities cater to diverse preferences, enabling solo or cooperative play with friends.

VOLTA, introduced in FIFA 20, returned in FIFA 21 with expanded features and gameplay options. VOLTA’s street football setting, featuring smaller teams and unique game types, delivers a fast-paced, intense experience. FIFA 21’s VOLTA featured gameplay customization, diverse locations, and a wealth of cool gear. Game modes such as VOLTA kick-off, VOLTA world, VOLTA Story, and VOLTA League offer varied experiences. The addition of multiplayer capabilities, allowing for games with up to three friends, significantly boosted the social aspect of VOLTA. The introduction of featured battles and legendary players such as Kaká and Lisa Zimouche added further appeal, enhancing the overall experience and attracting new players to the mode.

Authenticity and Visuals: A Realistic Football Simulation

FIFA 21 consistently stands out due to its unmatched authenticity. The inclusion of over 30 official leagues, 700 teams, and more than 17,000 authentic players creates a highly realistic football experience. This extensive database of authentic players and teams lends a remarkable level of authenticity, unmatched by most competing titles. The game’s closest rival, Pro Evolution Soccer (PES), while offering its own unique charm, often lacks the depth and licensing agreements that contribute to FIFA’s unmatched realism.

The game’s graphics and visuals, while not a revolutionary leap, represent a refinement from previous iterations, resulting in a highly polished and immersive experience. The stadium environments are detailed and lifelike, and player models are accurate and well-rendered. This attention to detail in the visual presentation helps create a strong sense of immersion, enhancing the overall gameplay enjoyment.

Strengths and Weaknesses: A Balanced Perspective

FIFA 21’s strengths lie in its refined gameplay mechanics, enhanced AI, and extensive range of game modes catering to diverse player preferences. The game’s realism and authenticity, bolstered by its extensive database of licensed players and teams, remain a defining characteristic. The additions and improvements to existing features, such as Agile Dribbling and the enhancements to Career Mode, are significant contributions, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.

However, FIFA 21 isn’t without its weaknesses. The lack of groundbreaking changes might disappoint players hoping for a complete overhaul of the game engine or a radical departure from established gameplay norms. While the existing core gameplay is refined and polished, it doesn’t represent a transformative shift from previous installments. Furthermore, the single-player and multiplayer options in VOLTA are somewhat limited, with a maximum of three players permissible in cooperative modes.

Conclusion: A Solid Entry in a Long-Running Franchise

FIFA 21, while not a revolutionary leap forward for the series, serves as a solid entry. The enhancements to gameplay mechanics, improvements to AI, and refinements to existing game modes contribute to a highly enjoyable and engaging experience. The game’s commitment to authenticity and realism is unwavering, and the visual presentation enhances the overall immersion. While lacking some ground-breaking innovations, FIFA 21 delivers a refined and polished gaming experience that appeals to both casual and hardcore football fans. Its enduring popularity underscores its continued success and relevance in the world of sports video games.